Diabetes decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the claims for ischemic heart disease, claudication of the lower extremities, and diabetes mellitus type 2 due to potential exposure in the territorial sea of Vietnam.

The Board has dismissed all claims for service connection as the Veteran died during the appeal process.

The Veteran's left and right knee disabilities, hypertension, GERD, and diabetes mellitus have been granted service connection. The Veteran's arthritis is remanded for further review. TDIU has also been raised.

The Board has denied an earlier effective date for SMC based on aid and attendance, finding that the Veteran was not in need of regular aid and assistance prior to October 22, 2013. The remaining claims are remanded due to procedural issues and the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected. The remaining claims for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, seizure disability, blood clots in left hand and leg, left knee disability, sterility, and dental disability are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's request for a compensable rating for his chronic sinus disorder is denied.,An earlier effective date prior to March 21, 2013, for the award of service connection for his chronic sinus condition is denied.,The Veteran’s claim for bilateral hearing loss has been remanded due to lack of current evidence and need for a new VA examination.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) remains in dispute as the Veteran's stressor claims have not been verified, but he provided additional information about his mental health symptoms.,The Veteran’s claim for service connection for acid reflux secondary to PTSD is remanded due to lack of current evidence and need for a new VA examination.,The Veteran’s claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction secondary to PTSD is remanded due to lack of current evidence and need for a new VA examination.,The Veteran’s claim for service connection for hypertension secondary to PTSD is remanded due to lack of current evidence and need for a new VA examination.,Service connection for lower back disorder remains in dispute as the Veteran has not been afforded an appropriate VA examination.,Service connection for bilateral knee disorder remains in dispute as the Veteran has not been afforded an appropriate VA examination.,The Veteran’s claim for service connection for leg cramps secondary to his lower back disorder is remanded due to lack of current evidence and need for a new VA examination.,Service connection for sleep apnea secondary to service-connected rhinitis and chronic sinus condition remains in dispute as the Veteran has not been afforded an appropriate VA examination.,The Veteran’s claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus remains in dispute as the Veteran has not been afforded an appropriate VA examination.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence linking his diabetes to his active military service or exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of glaucoma, open angle associated with type II diabetes mellitus. The effective date for a 60 percent disability evaluation for ischemic heart disease was denied as it did not meet the criteria for an earlier effective date. The TDIU claim is remanded due to new evidence showing worsening of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's death, specifically whether his obesity due to service-connected left knee condition caused or contributed substantially or materially to his death.

The Board has granted service connection for a heart condition, diabetes mellitus (diabetes), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to Agent Orange exposure. The Veteran was presumed exposed to toxic herbicides during his service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the claim for hypertension secondary to and/or aggravated by service-connected diabetes mellitus and/or renal insufficiency due to inconsistencies in the medical opinions provided.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a head injury and strokes have been denied. The claim for PTSD has been granted with new and material evidence received.,Service connection for blindness and diabetes mellitus is also denied.

The Veteran's service connection claims for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, right upper extremity, left lower extremity, and right lower extremity are all granted.,Service connection is also granted for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes, colon polyps, and residuals of a neck tumor. The AOJ is instructed to obtain additional medical opinions addressing the link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's amputation of the left lower extremity, finding that it was not related to his active service. The decision also noted that the Veteran had diabetes mellitus but did not grant service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction secondary to diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease secondary to diabetes mellitus, residuals of a stroke secondary to diabetes mellitus, and COPD due to outstanding medical records and additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeals for urinary incontinence and a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II, with erectile dysfunction and onychomycosis have been dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.,The claim for service connection for gastrointestinal disorder has been reopened based on new evidence submitted since January 2011.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, including as due to in-service herbicide exposure, finding that new and material evidence was not received.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, and a headache disability are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding their etiology.